For many patients with eyecare problems, having their pupils dilated using eye drops can be an uncomfortable affair. But as an essential procedure of a comprehensive eye exam, these drops are highly recommended.
Dilation gives the ocular professional the widest view of the internal structures at the back of the eye, that is, the retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels. And this is where an optomap retinal exam comes in.
Using low-power laser technology, the ocular professional can take a detailed digital and instantly viewable scan of your retina, all in real-time, without relying on the uncomfortable pupil-dilating eyedrops.
How the optomap works
Optomap works in a simple way. All you have to do is sit as you would in a photobooth, leaning forward to have a picture taken. In this case, the “picture” taken is larger. It is a wide-field image of the inside of your eyeball and takes about a minute.
The optomap retinal exam imaging machine includes several features that allow it to operate at its optimum. These include:
- A stabilizer, which ensures that the camera is well-positioned in front of your eyes.
- Automatic tracking that helps the machine give more accurate results
- Enhanced visualization technology that ensures nothing gets missed
For reliable results, the machine should get updated regularly. That ensures that it delivers the best possible care for you.
Retina scanning is crucial in the early detection of glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, and certain forms of growths and cancers.
All these conditions are dire and should not get ignored. And this is why it is crucial to have your retina examined regularly.
Now you might be asking yourself whether a retinal exam is worth your time and money. And the simple answer is yes!
Remember, your retina is a crucial part of your vision, and not every condition you experience is reversible. To keep these from manifesting, you need to ensure the best health for your retina. By monitoring how it’s fairing, you prevent certain diseases and identify conditions before they get worse or rob you of your vision.
The state-of-the-art machine performing the optomap retinal exam will help take a close look at your retina, ensure that your eyes are seeing comfortably and clearly for the following years of your life.
When you should visit an optometrist for optomap
This is a question that stirs up debate among many people, especially for those with zero eye problems. However, it is crucial to see an optometrist frequently for preventative eye care. Even with no symptoms and feel like your eyes are healthy, you need to ensure that your eyes are healthy and detect any potentially serious medical conditions.
Who can benefit from optomap?
Everyone is a good candidate for an optimal retinal exam. But some of the best candidates for these are light-sensitive patients who have a history of eye problems such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy and patients who don’t want or cannot get dilated.